An important lever held by the Board is its ability to recommend that an application be referred to the Mackenzie Valley Review Board for environmental assessment. The Board carefully considers many factors prior to calling for an environmental assessment, including:

Could the proposed project push impacts over a critical wildlife threshold?

Does the proposed method raise concerns?

Could the conditions imposed set an important precedent for future projects?

Has the proponent shown willingness to address community concerns and participate in a formal, ongoing adaptive management system?